The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has awarded the Micro Business Award to a leading South West firm during its annual celebration of the UK’s best entrepreneurial talent.
The FSB Celebrating Small Business Awards 2024, held at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, saw awards host and TV personality Tess Daly crown 9Trees from Bristol as the UK’s best micro business.
9Trees was set up in Wales in 2019 to support the climate response, working towards economy, ecology, biodiversity, wellbeing and community.
Now headquartered in Bristol, the organization works with landowners planting, maintaining and conserving native trees, and also offers skills development and experiences to volunteers and supporters who find outdoor environments beneficial for health and wellbeing.
Yzabella Hill, director at 9Trees, said: “I’m flabbergasted. For such a small business to be recognized on a national scale means a huge amount.
“There are so many big players in our industry that it can be hard to achieve cut through, but we offer something different. We’re doing something much more personal and localised.
“This award goes to show that we can do it as a small business, and anyone can make a difference in their own part of the world.
“Hopefully this win will amplify our voice so that we can reach more landowners, more supporters, and more subscribers. We want to operate all over the UK.
“Our growth ultimately means more woodland and forest, so this win should help us to create a greener country.
“What’s more, the grand finale has given us the opportunity to connect with so many other amazing businesses, which present big opportunities for us.
“This whole awards experience has been an opportunity to connect, inspire and enjoy. We’re grateful for that, and excited to take the next step in our journey.”
The event saw representatives from more than 140 small businesses, plus self-employed professionals, gather from across the UK, with each previously named a regional winner in their respective areas.
Martin Mctague, OBE, national chair of FSB, said: “Congratulations to 9Trees. They’re a shining example of how even the smallest of businesses can lead by example to tackle the issue of climate change and wholeheartedly embrace environmentally conscious practices.
“Well done, also, to all the regional finalists from the South West, who have helped to demonstrate the diversity, creativity and tenacity of small businesses and the self-employed across the region.
“It’s through supporting small businesses that we’ll have a stronger economy.”